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November 7, 2024

What Is the Average IQ of a Dog? Canine Intelligence Explored (Vet-Verified)

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What Is Dog IQ?
How Is Dog Intelligence Measured?
Raising Your Dog’s Intelligence

Many people know that dogs are intelligent, but what is their actual IQ? It’s a widely held belief that the average IQ of a dog is 100. However, this number gives a very limited view of a dog’s actual intelligence, as different factors measure human and dog intelligence. A dog’s intelligence can’t be accurately scored by the same metrics given to humans.

If we’re going to compare a dog’s intelligence to a human’s, more recent research shows that a dog’s mental capabilities are comparable to a 2 to a 2.5-year-old human child.¹ If you do the math, a dog’s IQ doesn’t equate to the average intelligence of a human adult. There are many myths about a dog’s intelligence, and we’re here to sort out the facts.

What Is Dog IQ?

Human IQ tests are designed to test reasoning and problem-solving skills. These tests start with a baseline average of 100, and people can score above or below this average. It’s important to note that scientists will update these tests every few years to keep 100 as the average.

Knowing how human IQ tests work can help us understand why they simply aren’t applicable to scoring canine intelligence. Human IQ tests are based on questions that measure the reasoning and problem-solving skills catered to humans, and obviously, those same skills do not apply to our pets. However, there are certain tests that dogs can be put through based on skills that are relevant and applicable to their species’ needs and capacities.

poodle puppy giving paw to trainer — Image Credit: Kids_studio, Shutterstock

How Is Dog Intelligence Measured?

If we are to compare a dog’s mental abilities, it resembles most closely to a human toddler. Data shows that dogs can learn and remember about 165 words and signals. Particularly intelligent dogs can learn to distinguish up to 250 words. Dogs can also learn how to count up to five and have a very basic understanding of mathematics.

Researchers measure a dog’s intelligence with three categories: instinctive, adaptive, and working and obedience. Instinctive intelligence measures a dog’s capacity to do what they were bred to do. Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s problem-solving skills and ability to learn from their environment. Lastly, working and obedience measures skills learned through obedience training.

When it comes to working and obedience, Border Collies score the highest, followed by Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Labrador Retrievers. Afghan Hounds score lowest in working and obedience, and Basenjis, Bulldogs, and Chow Chows are among the least trainable breeds.

While a dog’s mental abilities are comparable to a human toddler, their social intelligence is comparable to a human teenager’s. Dogs have a strong ability to communicate with one another and humans. One study reveals that some dogs can learn to trick humans and other dogs, and they’re able to adjust their behavior around different people.

german shepherd dog in obedience training — Image Credit: Helga Madajova, Shutterstock

Can I Raise My Dog’s Intelligence?

While breed may affect a dog’s intelligence, their environment also plays a role. Just like humans, dogs can learn to become smarter through education. Dogs that receive more mental stimulation tend to learn faster than other dogs. When they’re exposed to new challenging situations, neural connections form in their minds.

So, giving a puppy a strong foundation in obedience training can help them learn commands more quickly and have stronger communication with you. Providing enrichment activities, like puzzle toys, can also challenge and stimulate their mind. Early socialization and gently exposing a puppy to new people and experiences can also help raise their intelligence.

Conclusion

While the mental capabilities of a dog are similar to a toddler’s, dogs are still intelligent and remarkable in their own ways. There’s a reason why dogs are known as man’s best friend. Whether it was intentional or not, they made the smart choice of bonding with another smart species and have adapted to survive and thrive amongst humans in a way that’s unique from any other animal.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Lisjatina, Shutterstock

The post What Is the Average IQ of a Dog? Canine Intelligence Explored (Vet-Verified) appeared first on PangoVet.

October 30, 2024

10 Vet Reviewed Reasons You Should Not Spay or Neuter Your Dog

You have often heard that spaying or neutering your dog is absolutely necessary. The reasons supporting spaying or neutering your dog are compelling, including reducing overpopulation, minimizing health issues, and combating behavioral issues. However, as more people are beginning to realize, not all treatments suit every dog.

Before you make an irreversible decision for your dog, you need to be aware of some potential side effects that spaying or neutering may induce in your dog. Once you have all the information for and against this procedure, you can decide what is best for your dog.

The 10 Reasons Not to Spay or Neuter Your Dog

1. It Can Cause Weight Gain

Spaying or neutering your dog leads to lower hormone levels. These hormones are often instrumental to your dog’s metabolic rate, and once they decrease, so does your dog’s metabolism. This leads to a decrease in energy.

If you overfeed or under-exercise your dog, there is a much higher chance that your dog will gain extra weight. In fact, spayed or neutered pets can be almost twice as likely to struggle with obesity. Additionally, post-surgery dogs may have an increased appetite, making it much easier to put on weight.

overweight black dog standing in the grass — Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

2. There May Be Higher Chances of Torn Ligaments

Torn ligaments are painful and difficult injuries to recover from. If your dog tears a ligament in their leg, they will likely be unable to walk for more than a month after surgery.

Spaying or neutering your dog can increase the risk of these types of injuries. According to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, spayed females are at the highest risk of suffering a torn ligament, while neutered males follow in second.¹ Intact male dogs are at the lowest risk.

3. It Can Increase the Chances of Hip Dysplasia

If a dog is spayed or neutered too early, the risk of developing hip dysplasia increases. Hip dysplasia is a complication that results in the loosening and displacement of the hip joint. This leads to pain and dysfunction, such as limping, lameness, bunny-hopping, difficulty moving, and sitting awkwardly.

A study found that dogs castrated before a year of age were two times more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia.²

Certain dog breeds are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, such as large breed dogs. If your dog is among these high-risk breeds, you may reconsider spaying or neutering.

hip dysplasia in dogs — You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from PangoVet.com)

4. It May Cause Urinary Incontinence

A risk related to spaying and neutering is urinary incontinence, meaning you may need to anticipate more urinary accidents in the house than before. It has been shown that early spaying of females can increase the chances of urinary incontinence.

5. Your Dog May Develop Hypothyroidism

Since the procedure of spaying or neutering removes your dog’s gonads, your dog’s endocrine organs might also be affected.

According to the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, hypothyroidism may be more prevalent in spayed females and neutered males.³ This is a condition in which your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Clinical signs associated with hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, and chronic infections.

fat dog sleeping on couch — Image Credit: Valentina De Menego, Shutterstock

6. Chances of Developing Cancer May Increase

It may be scary to hear this, but there is a chance that spaying or neutering your dog may increase their odds of developing certain cancers. Spaying and neutering your dog can reduce certain types of cancers related to the reproductive system; however, the same procedure may introduce a higher risk of developing other cancers. For instance, spaying your female dog can make her five times more likely to develop cancer in her heart.

7. They Might Become More Likely to Suffer Anxiety

Studies have shown that neutering may be linked to higher levels of fear and anxiety in dogs. Common fearful behaviors in dogs include undesired urination or bowel movements, panting, pacing, destruction, and excessive vocalization.

dog getting destructive and biting the cushion — Image Credit: smrm1977, Shutterstock

8. Your Dog May Develop Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas is inflamed. This can lead to significant issues, such as appetite loss, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, and even irreversible damage to your dog’s digestive organs. According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, being spayed or neutered was one of the factors that increased the odds of pancreatitis in dogs.

9. Aggression Issues May Become Worse

Although it is often stated that neutering helps to quell aggressive behaviors, there has been conflicting evidence to the contrary in recent years. Some studies have indicated that neutering male dogs too early may lead to increased aggression.

Aggression is a serious issue. More than one million people are bitten by a dog each year. Likely, that number is much higher due to the number of unreported cases.

dog barking in the studio — Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

10. It May Impact Your Dog’s Lifespan

It is frightening to think that spaying or neutering could negatively impact your dog’s lifespan, but there is some evidence to support the notion. One study performed on Rottweilers found that females who were spayed during the first 4 years of life had a reduced life expectancy. On the other hand, castrated dogs are more likely to live a longer life relative to their reproductively intact counterparts.

Alternatives to Spaying and Neutering

After reading through some possible side-effects of spaying or neutering, you may be feeling hesitant about putting your dog through this procedure, even if you do not want them to be able to reproduce. Thankfully, there is an alternative option to spaying and neutering.

An ovariectomy is an alternative to spaying. In spaying, the ovaries and the uterus are removed, but an ovariectomy only removes the ovaries. On the other hand, a vasectomy is an alternative to neutering. These options offer you the ability to sterilize your dog with fewer effects on the production of hormones.

Conclusion

Which procedure is best for your dog: spaying and neutering or ovariectomies and vasectomies? In truth, it is unclear which methods are best for your dog at this moment. Spaying and neutering may work well for some dogs, while alternatives may be necessary for others. In the end, your veterinarian can help you determine which surgery is ideal for your pet.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A, Shutterstock

The post 10 Vet Reviewed Reasons You Should Not Spay or Neuter Your Dog appeared first on PangoVet.

October 30, 2024

My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next

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Overview
What To Do
FAQ

Dogs love to test our patience by ingesting all sorts of bizarre things they shouldn’t, and aluminum foil is actually a pretty common one, particularly if it has been used to wrap up some delicious leftovers. If your dog has managed to eat a sheet of this shiny metal wrap, you’ll no doubt be pretty worried and want to know what to do next.

The good news is that, in most cases, your dog will be fine, and the foil will pass through their body without causing any major issues. However, this will depend greatly on the size of your dog, how much foil they’ve eaten, and whether or not luck is on your side.

If your dog has eaten aluminum foil, the most sensible first step is to get in touch with your vet for advice specific to your dog and situation. In the article below, we’ll discuss the possible issues that ingesting foil may have on your dog’s digestive system, so you’ll know what to be looking out for.

What Happens if Your Dog Eats Aluminum Foil?

Aluminum, or aluminium, is the most abundant metal element in the Earth’s crust, but due to its chemical structure, it does not appear in its metallic form in nature. A process of electrolysis turns pure metallic aluminum into the malleable, moldable sheets we know so well. It is not a heavy metal and does not pose any risks of toxicity if ingested, but it can still cause some issues.

In most cases, the main consequence of eating this foil will be some shiny poop in a day or two. However, aluminum foil can cause some problems, particularly if:

Your Dog Ate a Large Amount of Foil

It would be unusual for a dog to sit down to a hearty meal of foil, but if they have eaten a large enough amount or a ball of foil, it could cause a partial or complete blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Even if the foil doesn’t get completely stuck, it may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus or intestine as it travels through, resulting in bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea.

a dog gagging — Image Credit: shulers, Shutterstock

There Was Anything Toxic Inside the Foil

Sometimes we’re so worried about the foil itself that we forget to consider what (if anything) was wrapped inside it. There are plenty of foods we regularly eat that are toxic to dogs (eg., chocolate, onions, and grapes) or fatty foods that could cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. And if the food inside the foil had gone bad, there’s the added risk of food poisoning.

If Your Dog Regularly Eats Foil

Dogs can sometimes develop strange compulsions for eating certain items, a condition known as pica. If your dog is making a habit out of eating aluminum foil, even small amounts can start to accumulate inside the stomach, building up like a snowball to form a bezoar, a solid mass of foil, food, fur, and other material, that can cause an obstruction when it passes into the intestines.

If you think your dog may be suffering from pica, make a list of your dog’s normal food (and non-food) and make an appointment to discuss this with your vet.

My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil, What Should I Do?

The first thing to do is get in touch with your vet. They may recommend monitoring your dog at home or bringing them in for an examination, depending on the size and health of your dog, and how much foil they have eaten.

If we are dealing with quite a small amount of foil, this will likely pass through uneventfully over the next 2-3 days. You will need to keep a close eye on your dog over this period, watching out for any signs of discomfort, nausea, or obstruction.

Cocker spaniel dog lying on wooden table — Image Credit: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock

Signs of an esophageal obstruction

Regurgitation (food/water expelled without abdominal effort)
Difficulty swallowing
Exaggerated swallowing
Drooling
Gagging/coughing

Signs of a gastric (stomach) or intestinal obstruction

Inappetence
Abdominal discomfort or pain
Rigid abdomen
Vomiting
Drooling
Passing no or very small amounts of feces
Panting
Dehydration – tacky gums, prolonged skin tent

Call your vet immediately if you see any of these signs.

Because aluminum foil can be sharp, your dog may experience some discomfort and difficulty when passing it. A very small amount of blood or straining wouldn’t be unusual, but if your dog is straining a lot or passing more than a few drops of blood, they need to be seen by a vet.

vet cheking a shih tzu dog at the clinic — Image Credit: KongNoi, Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will My Dog Need Surgery?

If your dog develops an obstruction, surgery will likely be needed. Your vet will take some X-rays to determine where the obstruction is located and how best to approach it. If the object is far enough down the digestive tract, sometimes, giving intravenous fluids and lubricating medications will allow it to pass, but abdominal surgery is usually the best way to remove an intestinal blockage.

Should I Make My Dog Vomit?

You should never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet. Often, making a dog vomit an object can cause more harm than good, so wait until you speak with your vet before taking any action.

Should I Feed My Dog?

Do not give them anything to eat until you have spoken to your vet.

If your dog is bright and well and the plan is to monitor them at home, feeding them little and often can help to keep their intestines moving, as well as let us know if their appetite is normal.

Final Thoughts

While most dogs will be more interested in the food contained in aluminum foil, some will be in such a rush that they’ll eat the whole lot—foil and all. And, there will always be those that enjoy munching on strange things.

Fortunately, aluminum foil is non-toxic, and being quite soft, it will usually pass through the digestive tract fairly readily. However, if your dog has consumed a large amount of aluminum foil, there were any toxic food items or spoiled food inside the foil, or they are developing a habit of eating it, you should contact your vet for an appointment.

Call your vet if:

Your dog has eaten a large amount of aluminum foil.
There was any food in the foil that might be toxic to your dog. If you’re not sure, it’s better to check with the vet.
Your dog stops eating or drinking.
Your dog starts vomiting.
Your dog seems depressed or lethargic.
Your dog’s abdomen seems to be in pain or uncomfortable or looks bloated.
There is blood in the stool that persists for more than 24 hours, or if the amount of blood is increasing.

In most cases, your dog will be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock

The post My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next appeared first on PangoVet.